Motif

Author: Marc Clarkin

  • Subterranean Jungle: Dandy in the Underworld

    Subterranean Jungle: Dandy in the Underworld

    Patsy Decline – Self-Titled (75orLess Records)

    Patsy Decline is composed of Ray Memery, George Sullivan, Jack McKenna, and Bill Gorman – veterans of some pretty legendary bands including Backwash, Mother Jefferson, Von Doom, and Ether. Patsy Decline sounds like members of Television and Wire started a tribute band to the indie days of R.E.M.. I like the pep on “Modern World” but appreciate the protagonist losing it at the end of “Let Nature Run Its Course.” The eerie “Behind Closed Doors” and “Ex Lion Tamer” are my favorite jams on this biscuit. Patsy Decline’s  self-titled album is now available on vinyl, digital download, and on CD through Bandcamp and 75orLess Records.  

    Wire Lines – The Tragic History of the Sea

    Wire Lines come out swinging like they’re trying to resuscitate the heartbeat of 80’s hardcore with “All Purpose Cleaner.”  “I Never Signed Up For This” with its desperate deal with the Devil chorus reminds me of Black Flag outtake (are we sure it is not?) I like the eerie change of pace of “Eels” which darkens the ambiance of vocalist Kevin Grant’s lyrics. Wire Lines pull off a hell of a feat covering Pixies’ “Gouge Away” without losing the disturbing undercurrent or classic chorus. My favorite is “Like A Cat” which is an infectious oddball in this storm. The Tragic History of the Sea is also available on vinyl and digital download on Wire Lines Bandcamp page.  

    Coming Attractions:

    Minibeast

    Minibeast lead the charge on this locomotive of local music. Minibeast are like mad scientists conjuring up an asteroid of noise that could save — or end — the world, it’s too close to call.   There’s a lot of heavy riffs and black market swagger on this banger of a show. It’s awesome to see a night of local bands happening at The Met too!

    Minibeast, Pocket Rocket, Brown Apples, Miracle Blood, and Older Brother rock The Met on March 28.

    The English Beat

    The English Beat came out of the second wave of UK ska (which apparently is never going to end) in the late ’70s. The English Beat blended R&B and ska packing venues for 40 years and counting. The coolest English Beat show I saw was a Save The Bay benefit in the Foundry Complex by the old Living Room. The building was gutted at the time which made it all the more weird to have a fancy fundraiser featuring a legendary band. The English Beat sounded great then and sound great now as I caught them last year at the Greenwich Odeum, so get down to The Met and skank the night away!

    The English Beat and DJ Greenwood Hi-Fi will get The Met skankin’ on April 4.  

    A Night of Tributes

    This show is headlined by the Blondeshells: A Tribute to Blondie, which I’m guessing by the elongated name isn’t a local band. I love this show because it features the music of Blondie, Thin Lizzy, and Alice in Chains. It’s like winning three times in a row at Keno!  

    A Night of Tributes featuring performances by Blondeshells: A Tribute to Blondie, Thin Frizzy, and Malice in Chains rock Alchemy on April 4.  

    Nirvana Night

    This must be tribute week because two days later Wes’ Rib House will host a tribute to Nirvana featuring a performance by Kissing Kontest, who reminds me of a new wave band making their own versions of Ramones songs on a keyboard. It should be cool to hear them play along with Lady Purge who’ll wrap her electronic nightmares around Kurt Cobain’s dreams. Sourpunch and Malice in Chains will also perform and probably be more conventional rocking versions but who really knows? There is only one way to find out. 

    Nirvana Night featuring performances by Kissing Kontest, Lady Purge, Sourpunch, Matt & Alan of Passionplay, Brown Apples & Friends, Malice in Chains, Dawn Cabral and more will go down Wes’ Rib House on April 6.  

    Graham Parker

    Graham Parker emerged as part of the ’70s English punk wave that spawned singer-songwriters like Nick Lowe, Elvis Costello, Andy Partridge, and Paul Weller. Parker and his band Grand Parker & The Rumour captured the energy of punk and packed it with R&B grooves. Parker is solo for this show but fear not, I caught him a few years ago and he was amazing performing and telling stories. Don’t miss local legend Mark Cutler who’ll kick off the festivities.    

    Graham Parker and Mark Cutler rock The Met on April 10.  

    R.I.P. Bob St. John – aka Bob Gringo aka Bob Bitter – Love & Light

    Email music news to mclarkin33@gmail.com

  • Subterranean Jungle: The Road to Rock & Roll

    Subterranean Jungle: The Road to Rock & Roll

    Rest and rock in peace “Brother” Wayne Kramer

    I’m finally on the mend after a month of pneumonia. I imagine this is what a resurrection must feel like. Meanwhile, since I last wrote another legend has left us in “Brother” Wayne Kramer of the MC5. MC5 were a revolutionary band that in the late sixties fused the guitars of the British Invasion, the soul of Motown, and free form jazz sparking an explosion in Detroit and beyond in music, culture, and politics. In 1968, after police threats of violence to Vietnam protestors, MC5 were the only band to show up for what was supposed to be a mass protest at the Democratic convention in Chicago. Overthree albums, MC5 constructed the infrastructure of the freeway leading to punk rock. After MC5, Kramer continued to create music by forming Gang War with Johnny Thunders and releasing solo albums. There is even a new MC5 album slated to come out this year with Kramer, the one other surviving member, and all star guests. Kramer also founded the charity Jail Guitars Doors. The charity, which takes its name from a Clash song partially about Kramer, provides music programs for people incarcerated. R.I.P. Brother Wayne and to celebrate your legacy, here are some shows that rock! 

    Coming Attractions: 

    Gnarnia
    This show is simmering to brim with infectious old school punk rock. Gnarnia last year put out the EP Thin Ice full of toe tappers and circle pit starters. I like the homage to yesteryear on the track “Babyhead.” Boston based BAABEShave a new single out “Dynamite Disco / Baby Have You Seen My Gun,” which hits like Morris Day on amphetamines. BAABES sonically reminds of Wire with a bit of the The Hellacopters strut sprinkled into the potion. BAABES has enough attitude for days, which is probably why so many people I know love them. 

    Gnarnia, BAABES, and Dogwalker bring the punk to AS220 on March 14. 

    Lady Purge
    Lady Purge has a new single out called “Taste My Flesh.” The track is a burst of electronic eroticism that loops around but stays on the same ground. The first image that came into my head was “Taste My Flesh” sounds like a rave at a halfway house. Having not been to either a rave or a halfway house in the last twenty years, I’m guessing this isn’t accurate but always go with your gut as they say. Check out Lady Purge’s previous EP, Ripped at the Seams, on your favorite streaming service. I really love the track “Written in the Stars” and “Mine Mine Mine” is also really good, too. That’s about as much as I, a person who hates robots, AI, and electronics, can walk the plank.

    Lady Purge and Vanessa Rose play The Parlour in Providence on March 14. 

    Richard Lloyd Group
    Richard Lloyd is a bona fide legend from his time shredding with Television. An inventive guitarist, Lloyd’s playing was the perfect foil to Tom Verlaine creating a portal that bridged the Velvet Underground and 60’s jazz while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. Television’s debut album, Marquee Moon, is still ahead of its time almost a half century later. In addition to Television, Lloyd has collaborated with the likes of John Doe (X), Rocket from the Tombs, and Matthew Sweet as well as releasing eight solo albums. I’ve caught Lloyd a couple times in recent years and his band is always top notch. Myrtle is a great, relatively new venue that kind of has Nick-A-Nees vibes on the other side of the ongoing Bridgegate.

    Richard Lloyd Group will play Myrtle in East Providence on March 27.

    Happiness
    This bill has a little of everything from psych-garage in Happiness, blues by the moonlight of Julie Rhodes & The Electric Co, and some simmerin’ country swing with How’s About Charlie. This is a show that feels too cool for Providence — so go to Askew and pretend you are in Berlin, Madrid, or Toledo for a couple of hours. 

    Happiness, Julie Rhodes & The Electric Co, and How’s About Charlie play Askew on March 23.

    Bonus Cuts:

    The Gravel Pit with Mary McAvoy, The Stupid Robots, and Dons of Levin rock Askew on March 15. 
    Soapbox Saints, Jittery Jack with Amy Griffin play Nick-A-Nees on March 16. 
    The Glare & Pet Bee get the party started at The Upside Bar in Warren on March 16.
    lastself, Delko, and Mau play Myrtle on March 16. 
    Dave Hause, Micah Schnabel & Vanessa Jean Speckman play Askew on March 17. 
    Mark Cutler and the Men of Great Courage play Nick-A-Nees on March 29. 
    Heather Rose In Clover bring the infectious pop-punk to Askew on March 30. 

    Email music news to mclarkin33@gmail.com

  • Subterranean Jungle: Heaven is wherever we can get together

    Subterranean Jungle: Heaven is wherever we can get together

    Sun sets on Dusk (Photo: Mike Ryan)

    I disappeared for a couple of months and the world ended. Legends have left us, notably Shane MacGowan and Robert “Balcony Bob” McBride. MacGowan once tried to drive his tour bus into Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel when it was at the Peerless Building for his stage entrance. Balcony Bob worked for over 30 years to keep people safe from such incidents at Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel, The Strand, and The Met Café. He was a lifer and really the last of the tribe. I could tell he was ill but he was stubborn and kept punching to the end. We’ll miss you Shane and Balcony Bob, okay mostly Bob.

    Now that we’re past the obituary part, let’s talk about clubs closing because apparently I’m a goth columnist in 2024. Mayday and Dusk have recently closed. I only got to Mayday once. I had a colonoscopy earlier that day, so definitely wasn’t full of shit that night. I saw a great punk band from Cincinnati called The Drin that Ian O’Neil told me about, followed by his band Happiness. It was packed and I thought this could be the new Monday night place like Loser Bar at The Met, Sunday nights at Talk of Town, or even Aurora (Fuck Buff Chace) which had some banger weeknight shows. Two weeks later Mayday announced they were done.

    So Dusk, what can I say? I don’t think anyone could bottle up the music, community, and love that Dusk has given us for the past 14 years. The first time I went to Dusk was before they were doing live music. The room reminded me of the bar in the movie From Dusk Till Dawn, which is fitting because they had a painting up of a vampire to the end. I think pizza was their thing in those early days. When Dusk started hosting live music everything popped. Harris Ave was no longer just for drag racing or shootings at shitty bars named after dead painters. I saw some of the most memorable shows with bands like The Silks, The Queers, The Callouts, The Schizophonics, Tall Teenagers, Midnight Creeps, Richie Ramone, The Moodrunners, Daddy Long Legs, and too many others to name. Outside of playing hockey, no place made my hips hurt more than shaking it at Soul Power on Friday nights. Let’s not forget all those festivals Dusk hosted like the iconic Revival Fest on July 4, Shiza Fest, metal fests, and providing a space where bands could play outside in 2020-21 when we couldn’t be inside.

    Maybe Dusk will open again one day at another location but til then: THANK YOU Rick Sunderland, Danielle Tellier, Danny Baldwin, Dan St. Jacques, Tom West, Amanda Salemi, and the whole Dusk crew. The magic happens regardless of whether you go, or don’t go to a show. The difference is that it might not happen next month if you don’t go.

    WES’ RIB HOUSE

    As one door shuts another is bound to open. In this case Wes’ Rib House is back with barbecue and live music. I saw a Shane MacGowan tribute there and am curious to see how it goes.

    COMING ATTRACTIONS

    LIGHT SPEAK, TALL TEENAGERS, AND DR. JONES

    I haven’t seen Light Speak, partially because this is their first show, but look forward to their debut! Tall Teenagers are one of my favorite local bands and recently released a great new EP, Chasm. I’ll have more on it later but for now we’ll call it trashy guitar swing dance.

    Light Speak, Tall Teenagers, and Dr. Jones rock Askew in PVD on Feb 23.

    MAX CREEK

    Max Creek isn’t my jam but they have been playing music here since like the 1800s. I think Roger Williams once tried to get them to stop but he’s gone and these hippies are still around. Seriously these guys are legends, dance the night away brothers and sisters.

    Max Creek will jam away like old world satanists on February 23 and 24 at The Met Café in Pawtucket.

    DUSTY & THE BRAKES

    This is a great night at Askew – a special night cap after Molly O’Leary’s record release show earlier in the evening. Come early, stay late, take in all the amazing music.

    Dusty & The Brakes, Olivia Dolphin, and Bethany Killian bring the vibes to Askew on February 24.

    NASTY HABITS

    I love the Stones so am more than happy to plug any Stones tribute band rolling down the line. This night is a good illustration of why the Stones are superior to Zeppelin. The Stones tribute band takes their name from a great lyric in the song “Live With Me.” The Zeppelin band is too dumb to come up with a name. I mean how can you not come up with a great name for a band that mostly wrote about Gollum and various elves?

    Nasty Habits (Rolling Stones tribute) and A Night of Zeppelin (Led Zeppelin tribute) rock The Met Café on March 1.

    Email music news to mclarkin33@gmail.com.

  • Subterranean Jungle: Love Notes…

    Subterranean Jungle: Love Notes…

    I have no problem with Taylor Swift, but I can’t tell what’s more annoying: people complaining about Swift attending a football game? Or, people complaining about people complaining about her attending a football game? Y’all need a hobby. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like Swift’s Reputation reissue is going to drop to combat the Fox News narrative she’s a CIA plant, but don’t worry, Uncle Marc has you covered with Love Notes. One of my new favorite songwriters, Olivia Dolphin brings her curated Love Notes to Askew this Saturday, February 3. I had the opportunity to talk with Miss Dolphin about Love Notes. (Please note: There was no CIA involvement in this interview.) 

    Marc Clarkin (Motif): Love Notes is a mixed genre show, what made you interested in putting on this kind of event?

    Olivia Dolphin: I’ve been incredibly inspired by open mic spaces. I used to host an open mic at Twenty Stories and the range of creators that came through the space was the best part. Going from a singer-songwriter on acoustic guitar, to a poet, to a mystery short story was such a reflection of the talent in our communities. By combining multiple genres under one theme, we can start to build connections outside our typical comfort zones and give audiences a wide-ranging experience that reflects what Providence has to offer. Let’s build a little bit more connection by mixing things up. 

    MC: What were you looking for when booking the acts?

    OD: I look for people that have a story they want to tell. It’s hard but important to get up in front of an audience, be vulnerable, and share a story that made you laugh or a song you wrote about how you fell in love. 

    I also try to book a wide range of acts. This year we have Joe DeDegeorge and his Sax Machine act which is just a damn good time (honk if you’re horny!). Jo Celine’s soaring melodies over electric guitar will have you leaning forward to catch every lyric. Our storytellers Brit Lizotte, Renzo Arteta, and Ally Sexton will each represent a different aspect of love. Mark-Anthony Lewis’ comedy, poetry, and stand up act is an absolute riot. 

    MC: I love the passion in your own music. Was there a show, artist, or a moment that put you on this journey as a songwriter?

    OD: It’s always hard to pinpoint a single moment, but I remember distinctly struggling to play the piano and sing at the same time. But in 2018, I learned Taylor Swift’s New Year’s Day and something clicked. That one song taught me a lot about how words, melody, and instruments can align and tell a story. 

    MC: What is next after Love Notes for you? 

    OD: Similar to Love Notes, we’re spanning genres: My literary magazine Wizards in Space is releasing our ninth and final issue at Lit Arts RI on March 2. I just wrapped tracking my second album at Big Nice Studio, which will be released sometime in the early summer. My band and I are planning a bunch of shows at local venues. Lastly, we’ll be hosting our next multi-genre event at Askew for Halloween on October 19. If you are a songwriter, comedian, or storyteller that has a spooky story to tell – hit me up!

    Love Notes goes down at Askew in Providence on Saturday, February 3 from 4:30 – 6:30pm.

    Music For Lovers Only: John McCauley

    Deer Tick’s John McCauley brings his solo tour home for a special performance in the coolest shop in Rhode Island, POP, in Providence. McCauley will sprinkle in Deer Tick faves and his own stuff for a night you don’t want to miss. Do not pass go, buy tickets for Valentine’s Day NOW through POP’s website: emporiumofpopularculture.com This will sell out.

    John McCauley will rock POP in Providence on February 14.

    Email music news to mclarkin33@gmail.com

  • Subterranean Jungle

    Subterranean Jungle

    Photo by Joshua Pickering. Greg Hawkes with Eddie Japan performing music of “The Cars.”

    Dusk is one of the best breeding grounds for creativity in Providence. I’ve seen so many incredible shows there over the years. Rick and Danielle have provided an incredible stage for all types of music, DJs, burlesque, and more. It is so disheartening to hear that Dusk has been broken into three times over the past few months. The costs of repairs are mounting with damages to the structure, registers, and equipment, not to mention the cash that was also stolen. There will be a fundraiser titled Dusk-Aid featuring a performance by the ’80s tribute band Total Eclipse of the ’80s, with surprise guests on November 26. The doors will be at 5:30pm with the show kicking off at 6pm. 100% of the proceeds will go to Dusk to assist in their continued support of local music. There is also a GoFundMe page to assist.

    Donate to Dusk here

    THE QUAHOGS – “TASTELESS”

    It’s been 8 long years since the last album, Sunny Waste, from The Quahogs but Tasteless is here! There were many reasons for the delays, as recording began back in 2019, we all know 2020, and most jarring was the tragic passing of drummer/force of light Nick Iddon from cancer last year. Tasteless was recorded before Nick passed and is another way he lives on. It’s tough not to picture him with his hair flying and a big smile pounding out the heartbeat of the record. Singer/guitarist Steve DelMonico told me the album title refers to the tunes being so stylistically different from each other. “Miriam” is a rocking banger in the vein of Nirvana. “Premium” has a funky groove to get the dance floor rumbling. “Sally” kind of reminds me of late ’60s Dylan with the spirit of Wild West saloon shootout. The reflective “I Lost Myself” features some nasty lead guitar from Steve Donovan. “Where I’m Standing” is a stab at writing a ballad in the vein of “Dirty Old Town.” Tasteless isn’t just the best Quahogs album, it’s one of the best rock ‘n’ roll albums of the year!

    MARK CUTLER – “THE ISLAND”

    Mark Cutler has a new digital 7-inch out that is a reworking of his version of “The Island” by his friend Neil Cabana. The original of “The Island” was sparse, with just Cutler on vocals, acoustic, and harp. The metamorphosis is striking, adding Cabana on electric guitars, bass by Roger Len Smith, and drums by Edoardo Tancredi. The song has a Tom Petty vibe with lyrics about finding peace by not needing to be king while roving through card games, nosey neighbors, and thoughts of being reincarnated as a dog. “The Island” is available on all streaming services.

    You can catch Mark Cutler with The Schemers rocking The Met Café in Pawtucket on Nov 25.

    COMING ATTRACTIONS:

    BOB DYLAN

    Bob Dylan’s never ending tour comes back to PVD supporting Rough and Rowdy Ways, one of his best albums in years. After his performance last year at the PPAC, multiple Dylan-philes told me it was the best show they had ever been to.

    Bob Dylan brings his Rough and Rowdy Ways tours to the Providence Performing Arts Center on Nov 10.

    GREG HAWKES WITH EDDIE JAPAN PERFORM THE MUSIC OF THE CARS

    The Cars were the perfect new wave pop band with hit after hit and singer Ric Ocasek just seemed like this tall mysterious figure. Sadly many of The Cars, including Ocasek, have passed on which makes it extra special when you can see an original member in keyboardist Greg Hawkes perform the hits.

    Greg Hawkes with Eddie Japan perform the Music of The Cars at The Met Café in Pawtucket on Nov 17.

    BUSH

    I never knew what Bush singer/ guitarist Gavin Rossdale meant when he sang “Everything Zen” back in the day. Maybe it doesn’t matter because he didn’t think it was so, or maybe it is the biggest mystery in rock ‘n’ roll. Bush are coming back to PVD for the first time since 2012 to play both the hits and more! Bush have steadily released albums every few years for the past 30 years including last year’s scorcher, The Art of Survival. Expect a hell of a show!

    Bush bring their Nowhere to Go But Everywhere Tour to the Providence Performing Arts Center on Nov 21.

    DEER TICK

    Deer Tick return home after a triumphant year that saw the release of Emotional Contracts and multiple coast-to-coast tours. As an added bonus Tommy Stinson (formerly of The Replacements, now of Cowboys in the Campfire) will open both shows. Tickets are low so act fast! •

    Deer Tick and Tommy Stinson play the Columbus Theatre in PVD on Nov 24 and 25.

  • Subterranean Jungle

    Subterranean Jungle

    Juliana Hatfield at WFUV. (Photo: Sarah Burns)

    ELECTRIC SIX – TURQUOISE

    Depending on the count (in this case excluding Kickstarter, live, and cover albums), Turquoise is Electric Six’s 15th album of original material. In the 20 years since their breakthrough debut, Fire, it hasn’t been all gay bars and Taco Bells on fire. Singer Dick Valentine has sung about buying the drugs, after hours at McDonald’s, attacking aliens, vampires, witches, and other walks on the wild side. The music is essentially alternative rock with everything from disco, R&B, and electronica ground into a giant booty-shake-a-thon. They are the answer to, “What if KISS and the Talking Heads formed an ABBA tribute band?”

    Turquoise is ripe with their staple party material like the rocking “Dr. K” and the hillbilly boogie-woogie “Born to Be Ridiculed.” “Staten Island Ass Squad” is the next great Electric Six house party anthem. “Units of Time” has almost a punks-playingWillie-Nelson vibe that works. “Child of Hunger” pays homage to `80s hair metal ballads and name drops Greta Van Fleet with Valentine’s sardonic lines like: “God woke up with an epic hangover.” Of course it’s never all fun and games with Electric Six. After all, they once stopped playing “Rock ‘n’ Roll Evacuation,” for the entire Obama Administration because of the lyrics: “Mr. President I don’t like you, you don’t know how to rock.” So it’s no surprise that several songs on Turquoise deal with politics and the COVID pandemic.

    I never thought there would be a great rocker about living through a pandemic, but “Panic! Panic!” accomplishes the impossible. The title track sums up getting through lockdown with Valentine crooning “the world tipped on its side and went tits up, to protect myself I wear turquoise.” Turquoise may not be the best Electric Six album but it is the next in a long line of classics. The only thing better than a new record from the Electric Six is seeing them live. So this October, win music bingo by getting Turquoise and seeing Electric Six at Askew all in one night!

    Electric Six and The Surfrajettes will command the dance floor at Askew in PVD on October 14.

    COMING ATTRACTIONS:

    THREE POINTS OF MADNESS – 10 YEARS OF MADNESS

    Three Points of Madness celebrates a decade of metal, mayhem, and madness with a special celebration at Dusk. Three Points of Madness will record and shoot a video during the show to share the experience with all their lunatics down the line. Last year, Three Points of Madness put out their fourth album, Reefer Madness, which is a metal masterpiece. I love how each tune on the album is so cinematic, with titles like “Test Tube Zombies,” “Witch’s Tit,” and “Snakes of Medusa.” A lot of the album sounds like the members of Iron Maiden and Alice in Chains got together with zombie aliens to form a conceptual prog-metal band. My favorites off Reefer Madness are “Off with Your Head,” “Satan’s Minions,” and the lone slow jam, “Believe in Me” – which has a “Silent Lucidity” era Queensryche feel. Don’t miss the party!

    Three Points of Madness and Verscythe rock Dusk in PVD on October 14.

    JULIANA HATFIELD

    One of the coolest women in alternative rock playing the coolest store/space in RI – how can you beat this? I’ve been a fan of Juliana Hatfield since maybe the 1900s. Her work marries ’70s AM radio harmonies with alternative guitar rock. She’s put out so many great albums over the years. From starting off in the Blake Babies with tunes like “Star” through the ‘90s with the Juliana Hatfield Three and the album Only Everything, Hatfield has put out so much amazing music. In addition to continually releasing her own music, in recent years Hatfield has been putting out tribute albums where she re-interprets the songs of artists she admires. To date, she has released tribute albums of The Police and Olivia Newton-John, and will release Juliana Sings ELO, featuring the songs of Electric Light Orchestra, in November.

    Juliana Hatfield performs at POP in PVD on October 14. There will be a pre-performance conversation with author and Blake Babies drummer Freda Love. For tickets, visit: stores. emporiumofpopularculture.com/ juliana-hatfield-w-freda-love.

    AL STEWART & THE EMPTY POCKETS

    The Greenwich Odeum has it all for fans of ‘70s radio rock with Al Stewart & The Empty Pockets. Stewart’s “Year of the Cat” is one of my favorites from that era with its Bogart references.

    Al Stewart & The Empty Pockets play the hits at the Greenwich Odeum in East Greenwich on October 14.

    THE DOLLYROTS

    In a week of bangers, this show is as good as it gets. The Dollyrots crush the hooks of That Dog, American Hi-Fi, and Letters to Cleo into a sonic vending machine that spits out anthems for the dance floor. The local openers in Heather Rose in Clover and Sourpunch are equally awesome, so get there early! 

    The Dollyrots, Heather Rose In Clover, and Sourpunch kick out the jams on October 15 at Alchemy in PVD. 

    SHARKS COME CRUISIN’ – I Wish I Was On Gansett Bay Album Release Party

    Sea Shanty maestros, Sharks Come Cruisin’, have a new album and are throwing a party. Sharks Come Cruisin’ shows are some of the funnest in town due to audience participation. We’ll have a review of the album closer to the show.

    Sharks Come Cruisin’ celebrate the release of I Wish I Was On Gansett Bay with a special show at The Narragansett Brewery in their home port of PVD on October 21. 

    SMELLS LIKE NIRVANA

    I can’t think of a better way to ring in Halloween than catching a set of Nirvana! Nirvana, of course, had a famous hometown show on Halloween that I believe has since been released as a live album. This will be a fun night! 

    Nirvana Smells Like Nirvana and Dead Original rock the Met Cafe in Pawtucket on October 21.

    THE HEAD AND THE HEART

    Indie folkers: The Head And The Heart rings in Halloween with a show at The Vets. For Halloween shows, I always think it would be funny to dress up as a band that is the polar opposite of the one I’m seeing. For The Head And The Heart, I’d choose Poison. The band is touring behind their fifth studio album, Every Shade of Blue. I love “Virginia (Wind In the Night)” and “Same Hurt” off this biscuit. 

    The Head And The Heart ring in Halloween at Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium in PVD on October 31. 

    Email music to mclarkin33@gmail.com

  • Subterranean Jungle

    Subterranean Jungle

    Last Place Chaim Ringing the Oktober Chimes
    The Red Sox limp to another last place finish like a scolded dog. It’s kind of amazing how ownership and general manager Chaim Bloom have managed to burn the once fervent passion for the Sox like a Canadian wildfire. The Patriots are wallowing in a mudpack of mediocrity trying to win like it’s 1994, with predictable results. On the positive side, it’s not an election year and there are a ton of great shows coming to town this fall. So get out there and I’ll see you in the pit!


    Coming Attractions:
    Dead Boys
    Dead Boys emerged from the ashes of Rocket From The Tombs in Cleveland in the mid-’70s to give rock & roll a black eye. Their debut album, Young, Loud, and Snotty, is still one of the best punk records ever made. Sadly, time has taken its toll on the Dead Boys. Singer Stiv Bators has been literally dead for 30 years. Two other original members no longer tour. The only original member on this tour, guitarist Cheetah Chrome, still shreds like the boogieman. I highly recommend his autobiography which takes you through the highs and lows of rock & roll and addiction. I caught the Dead Boys last time they were in town, believe it was 2019, and they absolutely slayed. Some cool supporting bands open up the bill including my forever favs, Midnight Creeps! So get there early! I also love that the event page took a blurb from a bio I wrote for the Creeps over 20 years ago – never thought anything I’d write would be in circulation that long.
    Dead Boys, GLiDER, Midnight Creeps, and ONE FALL bring the punk & roll to Alchemy on September 28.

    Dead Boys.

    Rejects Oktoberfest
    Who doesn’t love a weekend of music, brauts, and craft beer? I’ll start: sober, hearing-impaired, vegans. That would be my first guess if this were “Family Feud.” If you don’t fall into all of those camps, head down to Aquidneck Island for Rejects Beer’s Oktoberfest September 30 through October 1. Among the bands playing, I’ve been a fan of We Own Land, She Rides, and The McGunks for years. I also recently caught Salem Wolves; good stuff!

    Rejects Beer Oktoberfest goes down 2 – 7pm on September 30 and 2 – 6pm on October 30 at Rejects Beer in Middletown. On Saturday The Patsy Decline, The Edward Glenn Band, We Own Land, She Rides, and Salem Wolves will be rocking the house. On Sunday catch Los Duderinos, The Roland Highlife, The Smelltones, and The McGunks, reeling and a rockin’ all day long.


    Belly
    Alternative ’90s megastars Belly return home with a special show at Fort Adams to kick off Rocktober! Belly had a megahit in the ’90s with “Feed The Tree” and to this day hold the distinction of being the last RI band to grace the cover of Rolling Stone, for the release of their sophomore album, King. I caught Belly in 2016/2017 when they first reunited at one of their Newport warmup shows and they sounded great! It’s like a roller coaster of nostalgia as Belly breathes new life into the jams from their first two albums. Since reuniting, Belly has released an album of new material (Dove) and a B-side collection (Bees). They are currently working on a new album which hopefully will see the light of day next year.
    Belly, The Parkington Sisters, and The Glare rock Fort Adams in Newport. The show starts at 6pm, Oct 1. I believe this is advance tickets only. bellyofficial.com.

    Oktoberfest (PVD edition)
    If you’re looking for an Oktoberfest in Providence with loud music, Dusk has you covered! There will be 14 bands alternating from playing in- and out-doors all day and all night, as The Kinks once sang. Bands playing here that I’d like to catch include Exploding Zones, All Stars (covering ABBA), and Malice in Chains, among others.
    Oktoberfest goes down on October 7 at Dusk in Providence. The event starts at 2pm and features performances by Tung, Dred Buffalo, Joudy, Exploding Zones, All Stars, Neglected Witches, Fine, Cannibal Ramblers, Dept. of Teleportation, Blaspemaddicts, Right of Revolution, Maidenhead, Malice in Chains, and A Truth Divides.

    Smokey Robinson

    The incomparable Smokey Robinson is still kicking out the jams at the age of 83. The former Miracles frontman and R&B legend doesn’t come around that often, so this is a show not to be missed. Where else are you going to be in a room with a couple thousand people singing along to “Tears of a Clown” without joining a doomsday cult?
    Smokey Robinson brings his Music and Memories tour to the Providence Performing Arts Center on October 7.


    Bob Mould
    Bob Mould has been cranking out bangers for over 40 years with no end in sight. Whether it’s his work in seminal bands like Husker Du and Sugar or his solo career, the one constant in Mould’s songs is that they always feel like the truth. Never afraid to take a stand, I’ve seen him kick out a heckler at the Narrows in Fall River. When I asked Mould about that last year, ever the gentleman, he pointed out he gave the guy double his money back to leave. Mould is performing solo but by no means is this a quiet acoustic affair. Mould will be playing electric and his singing style isn’t exactly subdued. His solo sets generally span his whole career. This show is upstairs at the Columbus which means fewer seats – so don’t snooze because you might lose when it comes to buying tickets. As an added treat, I hear he is road-testing new material for his next album!
    Bob Mould and Jason Narducy will rock you to the rafters at the Columbus Theatre on October 10.

    Email music news to mclarkin33@gmail.com.

  • Subterranean Jungle: Getting in the October mindspace

    Subterranean Jungle: Getting in the October mindspace

    Allysen Callery & Mother Bear – Witch’s Hand
    Witch’s Hand is an alluring collaboration between local ghost folk maestro Allysen Callery and German doom rockers Mother Bear. Some tunes like the absolute goth folk banger “I’m Not Scared of the Dark” and the title track have Callery in front on vocals/acoustic guitar with Mother Bear’s Myles Baer accompanying her on electric guitar. “Beautiful Teeth” is Mother Bear covering a Callery original by completely destroying and resurrecting it as fiery doom rock. “Death Skull” hauntingly melds Callery’s folk with Mother Bear’s fuzz to create an eerie soundscape for hollow bones. “Consuming Rite” is straight-out stoner rock with Mother Bear taking the lead accompanied by Callery. Witch’s Hand is the perfect primer to get into the groove for the spooky season ahead!

    Public Image Ltd – End of World (Cargo Records)
    In the eight years since the last record from Public Image Ltd (PiL), more than a few times it seemed like things were on the brink, so aptly titled End of World seems appropriate. This bizarre and mostly interesting record starts off with “Penge” which sounds like a futuristic sea shanty about a nefarious captain who steals children to save them from their parents. “Car Chase” is a rollicking, dancy number in the vein of Metal Box-era PiL as singer John (Johnny Rotten) Lydon sings about someone who escapes an asylum on weekends. “Being Stupid Again” is Lydon firing back at criticism he’s gotten for his Trump leanings and at the shallowness of slogan activism. It’s pretty catchy and probably the only song to mockingly have a chorus of “ban the bomb, save the whale, give peace a chance.” He also ends it by taking a stand against student loan forgiveness – total punk rock, man!? Lydon saves some of his best insults for his former Sex Pistols bandmates and Danny Boyle, the director of mini-series-based guitarist Steve Jones’s autobiography, Pistol. Lydon unsuccessfully sued to try and stop the show which is weird because Lydon came off better than anyone else in the band. The tune in question is “L F C F (Liars Fakers Cheats and Frauds)” where Lydon reaches back for the same vitriol that fueled “Anarchy in the UK,” but this time is directed toward his bandmate selling his book to Disney. It’s kind of awesome, actually. At its best, End of World is a hoot of a dance record with weird narratives.

    Gabriela Rassi – Bent
    The first solo album from Gabriela Rassi came about partly due to downtime during COVID when she took a deep dive to pick up the electric guitar and find her voice through it. Already a veteran of the music scene from playing bass with Silverteeth, Rassi started taking lessons on guitar as well as experimenting with new tunings and pedals to find her own sound. The guitar on the infectious “I Know” (my favorite) and the title track sounds somewhere between ’90s shoegaze and ’80s post-punk, without sounding like either. Rassi’s vocals are so lively and rich on tracks like “Diamond” and “Little Moon” that it’s tough to believe this is her first time fronting a band. On “Boa Noite Amor” the rhythm section of Bradford Krieger (bass) and Bill Bartholomew (drums) make the song sound like a stripped down trip-hop hardcore song. I love Bent because it’s got great jams dolled up like striking sonic textures.

    Coming Attractions


    Low Cut Connie
    This may be the show of the fall as this Philly band harnesses the magic of Springsteen bar rock, Motown soul, and the energy of hardcore to deliver mesmerizing performances. Low Cut Connie has a new EP out called King of the Jews featuring the fantastic “Are You Gonna Run,” as well as a new full-length, Art Dealers, due out before this show. Don’t miss this one!
    Low Cut Connie and Fantastic Cat will rock the Met Café in Pawtucket on Sep 14.


    Dinosaur Jr.
    That Dinosaur Jr. is the same night as Low Cut Connie just proves that God just doesn’t like me. I’ve been listening to Dinosaur Jr. for over 30 years – they’re definitely in my top 15 to 20 all-time bands. Singer/Guitarist J. Mascis is like the Gandalf of indie guitar swing in both looks and sonic sorcery, which seems to get louder by the year. Their last album, Sweep It into Space, is one of their best – check it out if you haven’t!
    Dinosaur Jr. will electrify The Strand Theatre in Providence on Sep 14.


    The Silks
    The Silks live is just one big dance party as they hit you with banger after banger. The foundation of their sound is blues but there is a hearty dose of early ’70s rock to get the room boogieing.
    The Silks and Gleason Drift kick out the jams at the Met Café on Sep 15.


    Henry Rollins: Good To See You
    The ex-Black Flag/Rollins Band frontman-turned-oddball standup comic and commentator, Henry Rollins always has some stories to tell. I’ve seen Rollins do his act three or four times and it is completely different, other than maybe expressing his admiration for Iggy Pop, each time. He’s always entertaining and has fresh stories from his travels.
    Henry Rollins brings his ever-entertaining stage show to the Narrows Center for the Performing Arts in Fall River on Sep 26.


    More Rad Incoming


    The Dust Ruffles, The X-Tet, Eclectic Electric bring the tunes to The Parlour in PVD on Sep 16.


    Lita Ford will rock the Greenwich Odeum in East Greenwich on Sep 17.


    Ancient Death, DNR, DBB, Churchburn, and New Hell get heavy at Dusk, the home for the heaviest rock & roll, on Sep 23.


    Bad Manners, Out of Control Army, and Euphoralites bring the ska to Alchemy on Sep 24.


    Helmet and Soul Blind keep the dream of the nineties rocking at the Met Café on Sep 29.


    Macy Gray & The California Jet Club bring the smooth jams to the Greenwich Odeum on
    Oct 1.     •


    Email Music news to mclarkin33@gmail.com

  • Subterranean Jungle

    Subterranean Jungle

    It’s been a while since we’ve gotten a new album of sea shanties from Sharks Come Cruisin’ but that all changes this fall!  The band will release their third full-length album with the lead single, “Pay Me My Money Down,” coming out on August 1.  The single will be available for download via Bandcamp and there will also be a limited edition 7-inch available for order through the band’s website, www.sharkscomecruisin.com. 

    Peep the video for “Pay Me My Money Down” now. The video features Sharks Come Cruisin’ performing on the Oliver Hazard Perry tall ship and at two of their favorite venues, The Parlour and Narragansett Brewery. Enjoy the video and don’t forget to order your 7-inch of “Pay Me My Money Down” before they’re gone!

  • Subterranean Jungle: Getting away from the heat

    Subterranean Jungle: Getting away from the heat

    Muddy Ruckus

    Muddy Ruckus – Vacationland

    Mucky Ruckus is a duo composed of Ryan Flaherty on guitar and Erika Stahl on drums from Portland, Maine. I always kind of liked them live but their recordings were never my bag. It was like we’re doing this roots thing but we also want to rock too. It ended up being good at neither. That is till they dropped Vacationland, which just may be the best thing anyone has done this year. Vacationland rocks like it’s trying to open a portal to another dimension. The tunes are so vivid with visions that sound like nightmares sung in lullabies. One of my favorites is “Walk on Water” which roars somewhere between The Gun Club, PJ Harvey, and Ty Segall at a seance. “Clint Liquid” sounds like it’s off a Tarantino soundtrack. “Old Nick” has more of a Rob Zombie movie flavor. “Long Time” features James Montgomery on harp and preaches the blues at the crossroads. “Son of Beach” wails like a Queens of the Stone Age thumper. “Dotted Line” shimmers through the speakers like the sequel to Iggy Pop’s “The Passenger.” The closing “Dog Daze” is like a stiff cocktail of freakout jazz mixed with stoner rock that features Dana Colley from the legendary Morphine on saxophone. Another one of my favorites, “Adeline,” sounds like an extraterrestrial version of Deer Tick. Vacationland is a trip – a sonic bloodrush to places nobody imagined existed. 

    Viana Valentine by Maurisa Mackey

    Viana Valentine – Fever Dream 

    On Fever Dream, Viana Valentine’s voice shines like a super moon through a mix of ballads and dancy groovers. “Would You Love Me When I’m Broken” has a classic R&B groove complete with gospel backing vocals as Valentine wrestles with self doubt. “Pvd” is a love song to her home about stopping in the middle of Washington Street, listening to the sounds of the city as the snow hits, and reminiscing. “Sad Summer” is a beautifully blue piano ballad about struggles of life while taking care of an ill parent. “Evergreen” is the perfect followup with the line “I don’t want to be evergreen” where Valentine embraces the peaks and valleys of this thing they call life. “Hella Depressed,” with its infectious hooks, is the best diving point for those unfamiliar with Valentine’s work. 

    Coming Attractions:

    Levitate Music Festival

    I’ve gotten the chance to make it to the Levitate Festival a couple times over the years and it’s always a great escape by the sea surrounded by music and art. The grounds where the festival is held feels like an old horse racing track but that could just me. This year is the festival’s 10th anniversary and Levitate is going all out. Stick Figure, Lucius, and The California Honeydrops among others are booked for Friday. Saturday Levitate has Goose, Peach Pit, G. Love & Special Sauce among many others playing. Sunday is my favorite lineup of the bunch with Brandi Carlile, Ziggy Marley, Shaky Graves, Larkin Poe, and many others set to rock the stage. Pack some sunscreen because every time I’ve gone it’s been in the 90s. 

    Levitate Music Festival takes place in Marshfield, MA from July 7-9.

    Grandson

    Grandson is a turbo charged combo of alt-rock and hip hop who I’ve been wanting to catch for a couple of years. Grandson is touring behind his new album, I Love You, I’m Trying. This is a rare chance to catch a national talent like Grandson in a great local venue like The Met. 

    Grandson’s “I Love You, I’m Trying” tour hits the Met Cafe in Pawtucket on July 10. No Support For The Middle Child opens.

    Reverend Horton Heat

    One of my top ten all time favorite shows was seeing Reverend Horton Heat open for The Cramps at Club Babyhead. What a show! Now I can’t say that I’ve followed every, or any, Reverend Horton Heat albums since. It’s rockabilly/psychobilly, they’re supposed to all sound the same. I have seen Reverend Horton Heat multiple times over the years though and it’s always a blast. Just not as good as that first show with The Cramps, of course.

    Reverend Horton Heat, The Delta Bombers, and Diablogate bring the greasy rockabilly back to Alchemy on July 12. 

    Counting Crows

    I’ve always had a soft spot in my black punk rock heart for Counting Crows. Their second album, Recovering The Satellites, is a great album. Their third, The Desert Life, isn’t far behind. I can’t say that over the years I heard every one of their albums or cassingles but they still put out great music to this day. I am looking forward to seeing them for the first time.

    Counting Crows play the Providence Performing Arts Center on July 18.

    Blissfest 

    Blissfest is an annual indie music festival that started as a house show/unofficial post-Folk Fest show in Newport presented by Analog Studios. Over the years it has grown to highlight the uniqueness of Rhode Island’s music community. This year’s edition moves to IYRS Restoration Hall on Newport’s harbor and features an eclectic array of Rhode Island-based indie, folk, and alternative artists who have made their mark on the local scene and beyond.

    Blissfest featuring performances by The Z Boys, Allysen Callery, Jesse the Tree, Jabawake, Analog, Nate Farrar, and Bill Bartholomew at IYRS Restoration Hall, 449 Thames Street, Newport, RI on July 29 from 5-11pm.

    Also Coming: 

    The Callouts, Bright Idea, Ne Detour, and Sean Carney get the pop punk rumbling at AS220 on July 22.

    Rafay Rashid, NOVA ONE (Duo), and EDT play Machine with Magnets in Pawtucket on July 21. This is the official release show for Rashid’s new record, Kitchen Weapons.

    Cro-Mags play their classic album Best Wishes, at Alchemy on July 23.

    All Female Front, an amazing night of music featuring performances by Julie Rhodes & The Electric Co, Coral Moons, The Wolf Sisters, The Devil’s Twins, Mary-Elaine Jenkins, and special guest Ali McGuirk goes down at The Newport Playhouse and Cabaret Restaurant on July 28. 

    Email music news to mclarkin33@gmail.com